Topping the charts, the newest indie band, Star Fall, is now touring the country. Everything was going smoothly until one fateful night, when the band was consumed by a great light. The next morning, all five members awaken in their tour bus, each one now sporting a mysterious device. Things become more confusing when they are confronted by the mysterious alien, Arrow; who claims to be the former red ranger of the planet Sonion, and that Earth is now in the crosshairs of the insidious Warwol Studios. Now armed with the Star Striker Morphers and under the guidance of Arrow, Star Fall defends the Earth against the mania of Director Warwol and his legions of Headliners. Reach for the Stars! It's morphin time! Power Rangers: Star Strikers!
Episode 2: Viva Los Vegas
The Star Fall tour bus made its way to the next stop on the cross country tour, Arrow was finding himself fitting in perfectly. The members of Star Fall were very much like his old friends and were ultimately very welcoming. It helped that he and Trent got along so well, and that like Trent he was the kind of person who made friends easily.
Gene Valone was an understanding person, knowing well the burden a ranger had. However, his dedication to the tour schedule caused conflict between Arrow and Gene. At least twice a day they argued over this, with only the ultimate knowledge that Warwol Studios would work with its "actors" schedule keeping it from being serious. But it was annoying to everyone how sometimes Arrow would try to make the speaker systems into a makeshift weapon, or Gene trying to use Sonion technology to boost there advertisements.
Now they entered the city of Las Vegas, the glitz and glamor of Sin City captivated Star Fall and there newly arrived friend. Gene had lived the high life for quite a while, and as such was pretty much immune to the flashing lights. He directed the group to their hotel, named Poseidon's Palace. As the band walked up they could hear a song from the speakers.
Song:
There's a place you gotta be
A thousand leagues beneath the sea
And it's waitin' over here for you and me
The band was awed by the sounds and sights of there current place of respite.
Song:
Gonna take you for a ride
But first you gotta come inside
Get ready for the party's on tonight!
The Star Fall tour bus parked, and they weren't swarmed by fans. Which was to be expected in Las Vegas.
Song:
So pack up, cash in
And get ready to begin
Toss the dice, once or twice
Baby, winning ain't no sin
So relax and just unwind
Leave your worries all behind
And get ready for the party's on tonight!
The group of musicians and there two allies entered the entry way, which was suitably aquatic themed. They entered the main gambling room which was dominated by a grand statue of the Greco-Roman god of the sea in the center of the room which appeared to hold up the room. It bellowed out a single phrase, "Welcome to Atlantis."
Song:
So get ready, it's party time!
It's party time!
There the song ended, and the gang held back from the wide variety of games by the knowledge that Gene had put a limit on there respective credit cards, and Arrow didn't have any earth money. The relative peace was broken by a surprisingly high pitched screech of fear. Kabir immediately recognized it, "I know that sound."
The gang saw Roxie frozen in front of an advertisement for a chicken juggling act. Arrow was confused, "Why is Roxie afraid of that livestock juggling act?" Candace giggled a bit and said while smirking, "Oh yeah, the big strong Roxie is afraid of chickens."
Roxie rounded on Candace and said, "You know my best friend was scarred by chickens! Of course I'm scared of those feathered demons!" Candace put up her hands in a soothing way, "It's ok Miss Bianco." Candace giggled impishly and Roxie was enraged by her last name being used so casually, leading to the hot blooded drummer chasing the lead vocalist around the main gambling room.
In the Warwol Studios ship, which orbited the planet Earth even as those within it plotted its destruction, a new Headliner was made. Another Dark Reel was inserted into a random B-bolt, and a monster arose from the last memories of a planet that burned in the fire of Warwol's ambition.
All Headliners bore the mark of the planet that perished and the heroes who futilely sacrificed themselves to protect it. The planet that made Boxing Headliner was one that prided itself on conflict, and as such a fighting based monster was born of the Dark Reel. The Dark Reel used this time was one from a world dominated by a species descended from avians. As such the Headliner was distinctly bird like.
This new headliner rang out in an even toned voice, one that could easily be turned to song, "I'm Pigeon Headliner, and I'm ready to fly to the silver screen!" His form was like that of a pigeon merged with a human, his head that of a pigeon and his body covered in feathers. His arms were distinctly wing like, and in one he held his primary weapon, the Twin Peck Slingshot. Despite the seeming unimpressive nature of this weapon, the sheer variety of the attacks that could be unleashed by the slingshot made it a force to be reckoned with.
Flit Blades was irate and decided to compromise his values for personal gain. It wasn't the first time he did so, and it sure as hell would not be the last. He spoke up to the arrogant director, "Warwol, I want to be in this film. I want to prove myself! I will fight the rangers, and I won't take no for an answer!" Warwol shrugged and said, "Ok." Flit continued on, "Don't try to stop me or give me some pay raise." What Warwol said hit him, "Wait, what?"
Warwol replied, "You see, Chaff Goldpratt is no longer our headliner. This is a new era for Warwol Studios. The Dark Rangers from Planet Earth is a great masterpiece, full of experimentation. You will be given a chance to shine now." Flit decided not to look the gift horse in the mouth, ordering the B-bolts and the newly made monster to his side to attack the Rangers.
As they left Warwol stated his real intent, "We can always fix it in post if Flit Blades isn't entertaining enough." He sat back in his director chair throne and loudly asked, "Where is that lazy git Glut? He's supposed to be filming our heroes arrival in the Dark Rangers current base of the City of Sin!" Jors and Vouge both rolled their eyes at Warwol's on the fly script writing.
Glut Eifor, the perpetually unlucky cameraman of Warwol Studios, was hitch hiking to the City of Sin. He had his thumb out in the universal hitchhikers gesture, while holding a sign that read, "Las Vegas or bust." Admittedly no one had picked him up, mostly because of his utterly alien appearance. Many did not want to acknowledge they had seen Glut, for they assumed him a hallucination.
However, fate smiled upon the cameraman, if only so it could yank the rug out from under him. For the next car to see him was being driven by Danny Goldman, with its passenger being Anjell Eetee. While Anjell was very sleepy, due to the time change of coming from Holostar to Earth. But she saw Glut and let out a sound of eagerness. Danny sighed, having seen Glut as well. Unlike others he knew full well that Glut was real. However he saw the actions of the Studio without Anjell's star struck awe. It reminded him of the Marchen Army, and he was loathe to trust them.
But upon seeing Anjell's face, Danny could not bring himself to say no. He pulled over and popped the back door open. Glut climbed in and Anjell eagerly chattered with him. What was said was lost on both, as her quick chattering way of speech quickly cut off, replaced by snoring. This left Glut in an uncomfortable position because he could sense the hate Danny had for him.
Danny was the one to break the silence, "What does your studio seek to do to earth? Conquest, destruction, or harvesting?" Glut, given Anjell was asleep, answered honestly, "We're making a movie. But Earth will be left a smoldering husk of a world. Just like every other world we've filmed on." Danny could not help but look at him hatefully, and Glut picked up on this. He sighed, "Look, its just a job. I don't want to do it because I hate my boss. And I just roll the camera. Flit and Jors are the ones you should hate, cause they like killing worlds."
Danny glared and Glut defended himself further, "I don't like it honestly. I wont defend my boss, he treats me like a slave. Honestly, there are days when I think I should have gone into asteroid mining. It would have paid better, been safer, and I would have more respect." Danny sighed and said, "I wont tell Anjell about this. She worships you guys." Glut nodded, and the drive continued in silence.
Night had fallen over Las Vegas, though like most modern cities it did not truly sleep. Lights from the Strip ensured that gamblers and late night travelers would not be stumbling around because of the dark. Intoxication was another matter entirely.
As the band prepared to go to sleep the arrogant voice of Warwol blared through there morphers, "Lights! Camera! Action!" It spat out co-ordinates and Gene just said, "Go." As the rangers ran off Gene yelled after them, "But make sure to get eight hours of sleep! You need to be well rested!"
Down on the Streets the city's inhabitants and tourists were running for their lives, shaking off there stupors as the B-bolts brought there hammers and Flit attempted to test his blade on the screaming primitives. The only reason no one was killed by the studios stunt coordinator was a disinterest in actually doing so.
Pigeon Headliner however was the most dangerous, causing the pigeons of the city to go feral. The funny animals proved very dangerous when given the rage of one born from a world cruelly murdered. The claws, beaks and excretions of the vermin birds proved devastating. But they were nothing compared to the birds flung by the Twin Peck Slingshot. Structures of stone exploded as black birds functioned as bombs, glass shattered under the splitting of blue birds, large crimson birds functioned as wrecking balls, blue birds that were basically ice cubes froze things solid only for it to be shattered. More esoteric birds did strange things, targeting hiding beings through boomerang actions, laying exploding eggs or bubbles sending debris scattering.
Into this fray came the members of Star Fall, morphing into their ranger forms to meet the Studios forces. As they stood in front of the monsters, Pigeon Headliner spoke first, "I'm Pigeon Headliner, and once I've beaten you, I'll have my pigeons poop on you!" Trent yelled out, "No! Anything but that!"
Flit pushed the Headliner out of the way, "Who cares about you? I am Flit Blades! The stunt director of Warwol Studios! And its newest star! Glut, are you rolling?" Glut made his presence known, "We are rolling!" Flit split his Clone Wing Sword into two and charged the rangers, Roxie meeting his charge with her own. Roxie began to sing as she clashed with the alien.
Roxie:
I've never feared the drums of war
The B-bolts sang in unison in response to her song
B-bolts:
(You will be ours)
Roxie continued on, meeting the blades with her High Voltage Clubs, the electric shocks dissipating harmlessly against the alien metal of Flits swords.
Roxie:
I've faced down far worse things before
But never has it counted more
Than now
The other rangers fought against the B-bolts and the Headliner while Roxie continued her song.
Roxie:
You're okay if you stick with me
'Cause I can teach you how to be
Quicker, stronger, full of bravery
And how to survive
The B-bolts in response to Roxie's singing, countered with their own song
B-bolts:
You can't escape from us
You were all made for us
Just give up, just give in
Flit now joined in, in perfect unison with the B-bolts
Flit & B-bolts:
You are now one of the millions of souls
We've taken and destroyed
You can't escape from us!
You are all made for us!
Just give up, just give in!
Just give in to us now!
As the song ended, Roxie decided to finish the fight. She struck her clubs together twice before striking the ground while yelling, "Thunderstrike!" A shockwave of electricity flowed to Flit, but he expertly dodged. However, it was a close thing and with the rangers destroying the B-bolts led to him ordering a retreat. He and the Headliner teleported away, Glut left in the dust and ignored by the rangers as he fled.
The next day the Star Fall tour bus was on the way to Area15, the memories of the fight last night removed by the excited chatter of friends. Unbeknownst to them, a car carrying two aliens and there shanghaied hostage who served as there guide to earth. Anjell was now eagerly fangirling over Glut, the alien preening over this admiration.
Anjell asked Glut a question, "So you're sure its ok that I watch the filming?" Glut shrugged, "Honestly I don't care. You can do whatever you want for all I care." This approval from a member of the Studios caused Anjell to squeal eagerly. She quickly pulled out her alien device that functioned like a smart phone and started to type out her next blog update.
Meanwhile, orbiting the earth, Flit Blades was being chastised by Warwol. Warwol screamed, "You retreated, and worse, forced our new Headliner to run with you!" Flit replied, "Well, what was supposed to do? Not dodge the attack?" Before Warwol could reply, Jors Predrun stepped in, "Before this goes any further, I believe that you have proven you are not ready for the big time Flit."
Warwol preened while Flit seethed, and Jors continued, "Flit Blades, you will not be going planet-side for the foreseeable future." He turned to the Headliner and barked, "Now go destroy the rangers! What do you think we're paying you for?" The Headliner cocked its head and said, "You're not paying me." Jors just readied the Amity Knuckles for a beating, causing the Headliner to squawk and run to the teleportarium.
Arrow had quickly realized that being a roadie was a difficult job. It wasn't just the heavy lifting and set up of the bands equipment. It was also dealing with the rapidly loyal fans that sought to harass the band, those crazy fans who wanted to literally tear apart there idols. Despite Star Fall being a relatively new band, there skill at music ensured that a massive fanbase had grown. And wherever there was a large group of fans, there were those who took it to far. The kind of rapid fan that sought to tear apart the object of there adoration.
As Arrow continued his with his work, he saw something that almost caused him to drop what he was carrying. He spoke aloud, asking a question to Gene, who was working alongside the Sonion, "You guys have an Omega Mart?" Gene looked up and said, "Yeah, its an art installation. How do you know about it?" Arrow frowned and said, "It's not an art installation, it's a popular intergalactic market. Most worlds have at least one." Arrow paused and asked, "After I'm done with this could I go?" Gene mentally debated and then nodded, "Fine. But finish here first."
As they finished setting up and Star Fall was checking it out, the morphers rang out with Warwol's voice, "Lights! Camera! Action!" It spat out co-ordinates, which caused Joey to widen his eyes as he noted, "That's right here!" Joeys assertion was proven right as people ran from the attacking B-bolts and the Pigeon Headliner.
The strange bird projectiles flew, some small orange ones expanded greatly before deflating like a balloon. Yellow ones sped up as they flew, breaking wood. Purple ones flew as guided projectiles, while blue ones resembling the red wrecking ball birds functioning much the same, save that they smashed straight down. And the small red birds doing many things, sending sound waves to attack, zipping around like an out of control bouncy ball, targeted strikes like the purple birds, or just hitting like a traditional attack.
The rangers morphed and began there roll call. Trent went first, "Blazing through the cosmos, Star Ranger Red!" Joey went next, "Streaming through the galaxy, Star Ranger Blue!" Roxie was next, "Thundering across the stars, Star Ranger Yellow!" Then Kabir took his turn, "Riding the solar winds, Star Ranger Green!" Candace was last, but certainly not least, "Shouting through the dark matter, Star Ranger Pink!" All five of them shouted together, "Reach For The Stars! Power Rangers Star Strikers!" Behind them the run off of morphin energy created an explosion.
To one side Glut began rolling his camera, while to the other was Anjell, using her phone to record the fight scene. The B-bolts were quickly slaughtered by the Rangers, there boom hammers proving no match against any of the weapons wielded by earths newest heroes.
Soon the Pigeon Headliner was the only foe left (Glut didn't count) and he was pushed outside. The rangers dodged the strange birds he flung. Kabir expertly dodged a boomerang bird, which flew off into the distance. Roxie charged to close the distance between her and the monster, with the Headliner dodging her lightning powered strikes.
Unbeknownst to any of the combatants, the boomerang bird did not dissipate. Instead it flew true until it hit the truck of the chicken juggler who had performed at the Atlantis resort the previous night. While his pick up truck crashed without any harm to him, his chickens used the opportunity to escape.
As the fight continued, Glut was suddenly swarmed by chickens. The birds quickly began to attack the unfortunate angler, with everyone pausing in confusion at the sight. Or rather, everyone but Roxie, who instead froze with mortal terror filling her heart. Glut, in between the chickens cries of war and his own screaming in agony, managed to yell out, "Pigeon Headliner, call off your minions!"
Pigeon Headliner merely cocked his head and responded in a confused tone, "I can only control pigeons." The chickens continued to maul Glut, and the alien yelled out, "Oh lord, my therapist was right! The universe does hate me!"
Kabir realized that this was his chance, and he took it. He swung the Easy Wind Broadsword in an arcing motion, and yelled out the finisher name, "Rocking Hurricane!" He swung his blade, and a energy hurricane struck the Headliner. As energy crackled from the dying robot he yelled out, "Pigeons cant fly in hurricanes!"
The blast scared away the chickens, freeing Roxie from her fear induced paralysis. She slapped Kabir on the back and said, "Good work Kabir." Underneath his helmet Kabir blushed. From on high Warwol and Jors watched the fights end. Warwol roared out, "Another dud!" Jors smirked, "Not yet boss. Vouge, do your thing!" Vouge nodded and went to the teleportarium.
Vouge teleported down and strutted towards the burning scrap the Pigeon Headliner had left behind, saying, "Time for you to soar higher than ever before." From the Glow Up Brush shot a beam of energy that was a chillingly beautiful blue whose color was somewhere between that of a calm ocean and a high end lipstick. As Pigeon Headliner was reborn and grew giant she teleported away. Pigeon Headliner roared, "I'll peck this world asunder!" Roxie clapped her hands and said, "Lets give this guy an electrifying encore!" The other rangers yelled out, "Right!" Pushing a button upon there morphers they summoned there zords from the either.
The band mates yelled in unison, "Form the Megazord!" The Key Hauler Zord swerved and became divided equally into two legs with stood up. Atop the legs came the Dump Truck Zord, forming the torso while its bed and grill detached. The Bass Speeder Zord became the left arm, its bumper detaching while the bed of the Dump Truck Zord became a shield. The right arm of the Megazord was the Microcopter Zord, grabbing onto the Megazord's weapon, an axe formed of the bumper of the Bass Speeder Zord and the grill of the Dump Truck Zord. Lastly was the Jetar Zord, which landed upon the Megazord to form the head. The five Rangers shouted in unison once more, "Star Striker Megazord!"
Glut climbed onto a rooftop and began to film. However a clucking drew his attention, leading to a single especially brave chicken flying and attacking his face, leaving him to scream out, "Not again!" He then stumbled and went over the side of the roof, landing in a cactus nursery. As Glut screamed in agony, the chicken flew down and was captured by the chicken juggler.
As Pigeon Headliner sized up the Megazord he said, "I guess I'm gonna have to get mighty!" He pulled out his Twin Peck Slingshot and fired a energy projectile in the form of a sardine can. Confused, the Megazord held it until a massive energy eagle hit them. As the Megazord was prone, a massive red carp energy projectile landed upon the unlucky Megazord. Suddenly a massive energy eastern dragon flew upon them, damaging the Megazord and shaking the earth. As the Megazord stood up again a backpack was flung. While the rangers tried to avoid whatever craziness was gonna be attacked, they couldn't avoid the massive energy basketball. The blow sent the Megazord flying, where an energy starship blasted at them, and an eagle shaped black hole like projectile fired on them.
Roxie roared out a very good question about there foe, "What is up with this guys power set?" Kabir answered, "No clue, but lets use our current elevation to our advantage." Joey smirked and said, "Great idea!" The Megazord played out a epic riff and charged up energy, yelling out, "Sick Lick Strike!"
Pigeon Headliner looked up and was unable to dodge. The energy of the morphin grid and the alien metal of the axe struck the Headliner. As the Megazord stood up Pigeon Headliner screamed out its last words, "Guess my goose has been cooked!" It fell over and exploded as the Megazord struck a victory pose, with Kabir triumphantly saying, "Roll the credits!"
Kabir sulked in the Tour Bus as the tour continued on to Los Angeles. He had hoped that the victory against Pigeon Headliner would give him enough confidence to confess his love to Roxie. It didn't however, and now he sat at the dinner table in sorrow.
Arrow came up to Kabir and gave him a glass of Zalg he got from the Omega Mart, and he said, "Here, I hope this helps. But I do believe that you and Roxie will be together some day." Kabir picked up his head and asked, "How do you know that I love Roxie?" Arrow blinked and responded, "Well, I'm not blind and deaf."
Kabir groaned again, he had hoped his desires weren't so blatantly obvious. Arrow sat down and said, "You know the Green Ranger before you had the same problem. Gorel would always stammer when he tried to confess to Deesee. But just know this Kabir. If this situation is anything like that one, Roxie is probably completely oblivious to love. It will take you telling her for her to realize your feelings."
Kabir perked up now, the confidence of his newest friend spreading to him. He drank the Zalg, only to be disgusted by the taste. Arrow nodded, "Yeah, Zalg takes some getting use to." Kabir marched off to hopefully find Roxie. Sadly when he did his tongue failed him, as it usually did when he tried to confess his love.
Author notes
Thanks to Krockman18 for letting me use his ideas and beta reading. Again, give him the love he deserves.
Star Strikers will be a musical series, I will try to get one song per episode. The musical aspect extends to crossovers with the Star Strikers. Songs will be modified, if they aren't it means they either fit perfectly or the singer is mentally unstable.
Vouge has the voice of Miss Tarantula from The Bad Guys.
Pigeon Headliner is voiced by Tom Lehrer. And yes, his Twin Peck Slingshot fires angry birds from the franchise angry birds.
Kabir and Glut are actually in the same situation, love wise. Namely the object of there love considers them nothing more than a good friend, and they do not have enough confidence to admit there feelings. This is contrasted by Vouge and Jors. Jors knows Vouge loves him, but he doesn't care except when it benefits him.
Ok, next up is Pantheon Quest episode 2. See ya then.